Roll stand with working rolls supported in chocks

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a roll stand, with working rolls supported in chocks, the rolling forces of which are absorbed by tension strap members adapted to act on said chocks and which are adjustable relative to each other for the purpose of adjusting the roll gap by means of eccentrics engaged in the tension strap members.

United States Patent Bretschneider [451 July 11, 1972 1541 ROLL STANDWITH WORKING ROLLS SUPPORTED IN CHOCKS [72] Inventor: ErichBretschnelder. Buderich. Germany [73] Assignee: Sienna SlegenerMmchlnenbau G.m.b.H.

[22] Filed: Jan. 20, 1971 [2|] Appl.No.: 107,921

3,309,909 3/!967 Wilson ..72/237 Primanxaminer-Milton S. MehrAnomey-Henry C. Westin [30] Foreign Application Priority Data [57]ABSTRACT 1970 Germany 20 02 745-6 The invention relates to a roll stand,with working rolls supported in chocks. the rolling forces of which areabsorbed by g; g 'gg lrg tension strap members adapted to act on saidchocks and {58] Field of Search ..72/238, 239, 244, 241. 237 adjusablelame m each f the ad usting the roll gap by means of eccentrics engagedin the tension strap members.

8 Chins, 6 Drawing Figure:

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SHEET 10F 3 1. s 9 7 10,11 11. 2e 1. Fig.1 In! 10,11

2\ 247 10,11 10,11 9 5 9 1a 2a U 5 INVENTOR.

E. Bae'rscHwswea HENRY c. WEsT'IN P'ATENIEnJuL 1 1 1972 saw 30F 5 R KEWOmT e WWW we Ev- M 5 E ArroR/ Y ROLL STAND WITH WORKING ROLLS SUPPORTEDIN CIIOCKS Two-high horizontal roll stands of this construction arealready known as so-called Wilson stands. In these stands the chocks areprovided with horizontal studs which extend transversely to theappropriate roll axis. The two superjacently disposed studs of theequally superjacently disposed chocks are joined to each other by meansof a strap member. An eccentric bush, which may be rotated for thepurpose of adjusting the rolls, is provided between the strap memberbore and the stud.

This construction of the so-called "Wilson stands results in alightweight, but very stiff design. However, roll changing for resettingthe stand is awkward in the aforementioned "Wilson" stands. This is dueto the fact that not only the rolls rogether with their blocks, but alsothe strap members including all adjusting means must be dismantled.Should it be necessary to separate the rolls from the chocks it is alsonecessary to dismantle the strap members as well as the adjustingelements. Accordingly, roll changing is difficult to perform and istime-consuming.

The prior art also discloses so-called Norlindh stands. These are alsotwo-high roll stands, but the power flow between the upper and lowerchock is provided by means of screws and nuts instead of tension strapmembers. A lightweight, but stiff construction of the stand may also beachieved by these means. However, it is a disadvantage in comparisonwith the Wilson stands that the Norlindh" stands do not permitself-aligning adjustment of the chocks. Accordingly, canting of the rolljournals in the bearings cannot be avoided in the event of roll flexure.Moreover, the strap members of the so-called Wilson" stands may have alarger cross section than the bolts of the Norlindh" stands so thatstretch of the entire system in Wislon" stands is less than that in theNorlindh stands.

It is a particular disadvantage ofNorlindh stands that the adjustingmeans are accommodated in the chocks. This results in a particularlyexpensive construction because the adjusting means must be exchanged ineach case when the roll sets are changed.

Three high stands which can be developed into a universal rolling millby the insertion of vertical rolls have also been disclosed as a furtherdevelopment of the so-called Norlindh stands. By contrast, known Wilson"stands can be constructed only as two-high roll stands owing to the useof tension strap members as direct connecting elements between thechocks.

Based on the initially described construction of the socalled Wilsonstands, it is the object of the invention to provide a roll standconstruction which permits roll stand construction which permits rollchanging or resetting of the stand without the need for removing theadjusting means and tension strap members from the stand and which alsoenables universal roll stands with horizontal and vertical roll sets tobe provided.

According to the invention, this problem is solved substantially in thatthe checks are guided between two parallel frames in which one tensionstrap member each for each chock is suspended in that an eccentricconstantly engaged in each tension strap member is supported in theframe for each such tension strap member and that slidable bolts aredisposed in the checks and are adapted for optional engagement anddisengagement, respectively, with the tension strap members by means ofadjusting apparatus.

The inventive incorporation of the guide frame for the chocks into thepower flow between the roll sets provides not only the advantage ofenabling the adjusting means for the rolls to remain in the stand whenthe rolls are changed or the stand is reset, but also enables the framesto be so constructed that a vertical roll set may be inserted into theframe in addi tion to a horizontal roll set in order to form a universalroll stand. Coupling and uncoupling of the chocks with the tension strapmembers can be rapidly and simply performed by means ofslidable boltswhich are disposed in the chocks.

According to the invention, it has also been found advantageous if thetension strap apertures into which the connecting bolts of the chockengage are formed by eccentric bushes adapted to rotate in said tensionstrap members. The aforementioned eccentric bushes permit courseadjustment of the roll sets relative to each other to be performedmanually prior to commencing the rolling program.

The eccentrics disposed in the frames are adjustably coupled to a commontransmission to enable the precise roll gap adjustment during rollingoperation. To this end and in accordance with a further feature of theinvention, the adjusting apparatus for the eccentrics disposed in theframe may be formed by self-arresting transmissions, for example, wormgear transmissions, coupled to each other through shafts andintermediate angle drives.

It is particularly advantageous if the parallel frames are supported onone side with a defined distance on a common base cross member and are,on the other side, retained at a defined distance by two upper,removable cross members. Finally, it is of significance for theinvention that tension strap members for a universal roll set comprisingtwo horizontal rolls and two vertical rolls are suspended in the frames,the frames for the checks of the vertical rolls having supportingguides.

The inventive construction of a roll stand is far superior to that ofconventional roll stands. For example, while a weight of 82 tons isrequired for a universal roll stand of conventional construction havinghorizontal rolls of 900 mm. diameter and vertical rolls of 550 mm.diameter, it is possible for a universal roll stand according to theinvention to be constructed with a weight of only 28 tons. Aconventional two-high roll stand with rolls of550 mm. diameter and L000mm. length will hat e an overall weight of 36 tons while a two-high rollstand according to the invention can be constructed with a weight ofonly 18 tons. Nevertheless, the roll stands constructed in accordancewith the invention are twice as stiff as conventional constructions. Thestand module in terms of tons/mm. in stands according to the inventionis twice as large as in conventional roll stand constructions, that isto say, if the stretch of a conventional roll stand amounts to 350tons/mm, the same value in the novel stand will be 700 tons/mm.

Two embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the drawingsin which:

FIG. I is an universal roll stand according to the invention as seenalong the general orientation of the rolling axis,

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the universal roll stand according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a section along the line llllll of the universal roll standshown in FIGS. I and 2,

FIG. 4 is a two-high roll stand constructed in accordance with theinvention as seen along the general orientation of the rolling axis,

FIG. Sis a plan view of the two-high roll stand, and

FIG. 6 shows the two-high roll stand as seen along the direction of thearrow VI.

The universal roll stand illustrated in FIG. I to 3 of the drawingincorporates two identical frames 1 and 2, extending in parallel to eachother and being disposed opposite each other at a distance and in amirror image. They are supported equal distances relative to theorientation of the rolling axis on a common base cross member 3 and are,moreover, joined to each other at the top by means of two removablecross members 4.

Two upper eccentric bolts 5 and two lower eccentric bolts 6 arerotatably inserted into each of the frames 1 and 2, each of the saideccentric bolts 5 forming the support for one strap member 7 and each ofthe eccentric bolts 6 forming the sup port for one strap member 8. Oneeccentric bush 9 each is inserted into the free ends of the strapmembers 7 and 8. The eccentric bushes 9 of the strap members 7 and 8represent en gagement apertures for axially slidable bolts 10 and IIwhich are guided in each of the chocks l2 and I3 for the horizontalrolls l4 and I5. Wormwheels 16 in mesh with worms 17 arenon-rotationally connected to the eccentric bolts 5 and 6, as

clearly shown in FIG. 3. A motor 18 is provided for the common drive ofall worms 17 to enable synchronous adjustment of all eccentric bolts 5and 6 to be obtained.

The chocks l9 and 20 for the vertical rolls 2] and 22 are suspended inthe frames 1 and 2 by means of strap members 23 in the same way as thechocks l2 and 13 for the horizontal rolls l4 and 15. To this end thestrap members 23 are supponed in the frames 1 and 2 on eccentric bolts24 and 25 whose construction is identical to that of the eccentric bolts5 and 6. The eccentric bolts 24 and 25 are provided with transmissionsidentical to those of the eccentric bolts 5 and which are drivinglyconnected by means of a keyed wormwheel 16 to a worm 17. A motor 26ensures synchronous adjustment of all eccentric bolts 24 and 25 in thetwo frames 1 and 2.

While the chocks I2 and 13 for the horizontal rolls I4 and are guideddirectly between the smooth internal surfaces of the two frames 1 and 2,the frames 1 and 2 are provided with horizontally extending recesses 27which form supporting guides for the chocks I9 and of the vertical rolls2] and 22.

In the same way as the strap members 7 and 8 for the horizontal rolls l2and 13, the strap members 23 for the vertical rolls 21 and 22 areprovided with eccentric bushes 9 functioning as engagement means forslidable coupling bolts 10 and II which are slidably guided in thechocks l9 and 20.

The worms I7 adapted to adjust the eccentric bolts 5 and 6 through theworrnwheels 16 are all drivingly connected to each other through shafts28 and angle drives 29. In the same way the worms, adapted to drive theeccentric bolts 24 and through corresponding wormwheels, are also inpermanent driving connection with each other through shafts 30 and 31and through angle drives 32,

When the roll sets l4, l5 and 21, 22 are to be inserted into the rollstand, the bolts 10 and ll, slidably guided in the chocks I2 and 13 or19 and 20, respectively, are first retracted by central adjustingapparatus 33 disposed in the aforementioned chocks. After the roll setsl4, l5 and 21, 22 together with their chocks l2, l3 and 19, 20 have beeninserted between the two frames I and 2, the bolts 10 and I] are advanced by means of the central adjusting apparatus 33 to opposite sidesfrom the chocks until they engage with the eccentric bush 9 as clearlyshown in FIG. 3. By manual rotation of the eccentric bushes 9, it ispossible to obtain coarse adjustment of the roll gap for the roll setsbefore the roll stand is taken into operation.

Precise roll adjustment on the other hand is obtained by correspondingrotation of the eccentric bolts 5, 6 and 24, 25 which are rotatably suported in the frames 1 and 2.

To change the rolls or to reset the stand, it is therefore merelynecessary for the bolts 10 and 11, slidably guided in the chocks, to bewithdrawn from the eccentric bushes 9 by means of the central adjustingapparatus 33 in order to enable the roll sets I4, 15 and 21, 22 togetherwith their chocks l2 and 13 or 19 and 20, respectively, to be removed.Conversely, coupling of the newly inserted roll sets with the tensionstrap members, adjustably supported in the frames I and 2, merelyrequires the bolts 10 and II to be advanced by means of the centraladjusting apparatus 33.

The twohigh roll stand illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 of the drawingdiffers from the universal roll stand illustrated in FIGS. I and 3substantially only by virtue of the fact that no vertical roll fittingsare provided and that, accordingly, the tension strap members andadjusting means associated therewith are also omitted.

Resetting of the aforementioned two-high roll stand in all otherrespects is performed in the same way as for the universal roll standillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, that is to say, it is merely necessary forthe bolts 10 and I1. slidably guided in the chocks l2 and 13, to bedisengaged from the eccentric bushes 9 of the strap members 7 and 8 whenit is desired to remove the roll set or for said bolts 10 and II to becorrespondingly re-engaged after the new roll set has been inserted intothe stand.

For the substantially T-shaped construction of the chocks l2 and I3 forthe horizontal rolls l4 and I5, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, it isnecessary for the lower horizontal roll I5 together with its chocks 13to be dismantled downwardly in the stand. To enable even the lowerhorizontal roll 15 together with its chocks 13 to be dismantled upwardlyin the same manner as the upper horizontal roll l4 together with itschocks 12, it will be necessary for another construction to be selectedfor the chocks I3. In this case they may have either only a rectangularcontour of the lower chocks must be assembled from a broad and narrowpart, the narrow part being easily, detachably joined to the broad part.The vertical roll set of the universal rolling stand illustrated inFIGS. I to 3 is removed to both sides of the stand.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, l haveexplained the principle and operation of my invention and haveillustrated and described what I consider to represent the bestembodiment thereof.

I claim:

1. A rolling mill comprising:

a pair of frames,

a pair of working rolls having chocks mounted on their opposite ends inwhich the adjacent chocks of different rolls are guided in each frame,

a tension strap member for each chock from which each chock is suspendedin a manner that the strap members absorb the rolling forces of saidrolls,

means carried by said frames engaging each tension strap member,

means for adjusting said engaging means for adjusting one roll relativeto the other,

means disposed in said chocks and having portions 0p tionally engageableand disengageable with said strap members, and

means for effecting said engagement and disengagement.

2. A rolling mill according to claim 1 in which said tension strapmembers include apertures,

eccentric bushing, received in said apertures, and

said means disposed in said chocks including connecting membersextending from said chocks into said eccentric bushings wherein saideccentric bushings are rotatable to permit additional adjustment of saidworking rolls relative to each other.

3. A rolling mill according to claim 1 in which said engaging meanscomprise eccentrics for each strap member for sup porting said strapmembers, and

a common drive means for rotating said eccentrics.

4. A rolling mill according to claim 3 wherein said common drive meansincludes inter-connecting transmission means for synchronizing rotationofsaid eccentrics.

5. A rolling mill according to claim 1 wherein said pair of framescomprises two spaced-apart housings,

a common base for supporting said housings at one side thereof and at afixed spaced-apart distance, and

two removable cross members for retaining said housings on the otherside thereof at a fixed spaced-apart distance.

6. A rolling mill according to claim 1 wherein said working rolls arehorizontal rolls,

two vertical rolls arranged on opposite sides of the steel line of saidmill cooperating with said horizontal rolls to form a universal rollingmill stand,

said vertical rolls having chocks mounted on their opposite ends,

a tension strap member for each chock of said vertical rolls in whicheach chock is suspended in a manner so as to absorb the rolling forcesofsaid vertical rolls, and

said frames having guiding surfaces formed therein for receiving thechocks of said vertical rolls and allowing them to move towards and awayfrom each other in a horizontal direction.

7. A rolling mill according to claim 6, including means carried by saidframes engaging each tension strap member of said vertical rolls, and

6 means for adjusting said engaging means for said vertical eccentricsmounted in said strap members for adjusting said rolls for adjustingsaid vertical rolls relative to each other, strap members f id verticalrolls and, hence, effecting means disposed in said checks of saidvertical rolls and havddi i l dj tm nt of aid vertical rolls,

"8 Forums engageable and dsengageable said engaging means of saidvertical rolls including other ecwith said tension strap members of saidvertical rolls, and 5 means for efi'ecting said engagement anddisengagement of said means disposed in said chocks of said verticalrolls. 8. A rolling mill according to claim 7, including centricsadapted to carry said strap members, and common drive means for rotatingsaid other eccentrics

1. A rolling mill comprising: a pair of frames, a pair of working rollshaving chocks mounted on their opposite ends in which the adjacentchocks of different rolls are guided in each frame, a tension strapmember for each chock from which each chock is suspended in a mannerthat the strap members absorb the rolling forces of said rolls, meanscarried by said frames engaging each tension strap member, means foradjusting said engaging means for adjusting one roll relative to theother, means disposed in said chocks and having portions optionallyengageable and disengageable with said strap members, and means foreffecting said engagement and disengagement.
 2. A rolling mill accordingto claim 1 in which said tension strap members include apertures,eccentric bushing, received in said apertures, and said means disposedin said chocks including connecting members extending from said chocksinto said eccentric bushings wherein said eccentric bushings arerotatable to permit additional adjustment of said working rolls relativeto each other.
 3. A rolling mill according to claim 1 in which saidengaging means comprise eccentrics for each strap member for supportingsaid strap members, and a common drive means for rotating saideccentrics.
 4. A rolling mill according to claim 3 wherein said commondrive means includes inter-connecting transmission means forsynchronizing rotation of said eccentrics.
 5. A rolling mill accordingto claim 1 wherein said pair of frames comprises two spaCed-aparthousings, a common base for supporting said housings at one side thereofand at a fixed spaced-apart distance, and two removable cross membersfor retaining said housings on the other side thereof at a fixedspaced-apart distance.
 6. A rolling mill according to claim 1 whereinsaid working rolls are horizontal rolls, two vertical rolls arranged onopposite sides of the steel line of said mill cooperating with saidhorizontal rolls to form a universal rolling mill stand, said verticalrolls having chocks mounted on their opposite ends, a tension strapmember for each chock of said vertical rolls in which each chock issuspended in a manner so as to absorb the rolling forces of saidvertical rolls, and said frames having guiding surfaces formed thereinfor receiving the chocks of said vertical rolls and allowing them tomove towards and away from each other in a horizontal direction.
 7. Arolling mill according to claim 6, including means carried by saidframes engaging each tension strap member of said vertical rolls, andmeans for adjusting said engaging means for said vertical rolls foradjusting said vertical rolls relative to each other, means disposed insaid chocks of said vertical rolls and having portions optionallyengageable and disengageable with said tension strap members of saidvertical rolls, and means for effecting said engagement anddisengagement of said means disposed in said chocks of said verticalrolls.
 8. A rolling mill according to claim 7, including eccentricsmounted in said strap members for adjusting said strap members of saidvertical rolls and, hence, effecting additional adjustment of saidvertical rolls, said engaging means of said vertical rolls includingother eccentrics adapted to carry said strap members, and common drivemeans for rotating said other eccentrics.